Systems and methods of securing transport containers to attachment points

ABSTRACT

Securing systems and methods of securing a transport container to an attachment point. In one embodiment, the securing system includes an actuator, an attachment structure, and an electronic controller. The attachment structure is dimensioned to complement the actuator. The electronic controller is operably coupled to the actuator for attaching and releasing the actuator to the attachment structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from and is a continuationapplication of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.17/038,313, filed Sep. 30, 2020, which claims priority from and is acontinuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 16/247,448, filed Jan. 14, 2019, issued on Nov. 10, 2020 as U.S.Pat. No. 10,829,962, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/617,480, filed Jan. 15, 2018, the contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, consumers have been purchasing more products on-line.Items purchased on-line are often delivered directly to consumers attheir residence. When a package is delivered and no one is present toreceive it, the package is exposed and vulnerable to theft andtampering. Package delivery solutions include placing packages withinelectronic lockers and having recipients retrieve them by inputting acode. These solutions are practical in apartment and condo buildings.However, it is impractical, undesirable, and prohibitively expensive toinstall electronic lockers for residential homes.

Further, packages are vulnerable to theft and tampering while intransit. Package delivery solutions include placing packages in secureareas that only authorized personnel should be able to access. Forexample, while in transit, packages are placed in secure sortingwarehouses and secure transportation vehicles. However, a large numberof personnel have access to these secure areas. In addition, transportvehicles are often left unattended while the driver is deliveringpackages.

SUMMARY

There is a need for modular securing systems for attaching transportcontainers to attachment points that can easily be adapted for differenttypes of transport containers as well as different types of fixed andnon-fixed attachment points. There is also a need for methods ofsecuring a transport container to an attachment point that ensure thetransport container is attached to the correct attachment point as wellas determine and report whether or not the attachment is successful.

Thus, the disclosure provides a securing system. In one embodiment, thesecuring system includes an actuator, an attachment structure, and anelectronic controller. The attachment structure is dimensioned tocomplement the actuator. The electronic controller is operably coupledto the actuator for attaching and releasing the actuator to theattachment structure.

The disclosure also provides a method of securing a transport containerto an attachment point. In one embodiment, the method includesreceiving, via a transceiver included in an electronic controller, arequest to attach the transport container to the attachment point. Themethod also includes authenticating the attachment point with anelectronic processor included in the electronic controller. The methodfurther includes activating, with the electronic processor, an actuatorof the transport container to attach the actuator to an attachmentstructure of the attachment point. The method also transmitting, via thetransceiver, a status signal indicating an attachment status of thetransport container.

The disclosure further provides a securing system. In one embodiment,the securing system includes an actuator and an electronic controller.The actuator is configured for attachment to attachment structures. Theelectronic controller is operably coupled to the actuator for attachingand releasing the actuator to the attachment structure.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a securing system including an attachmentpoint having an actuator and a transport container having an attachmentstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the attachment point and the transportcontainer included in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a securing system including an attachmentpoint having an attachment structure and a transport container having anactuator, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the attachment point and the transportcontainer included in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a securing system including an attachment pointand a transport container that each include an actuator and anattachment structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial sectional views of a threaded-type actuatorand an attachment structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial sectional views of a piston-type actuatorand an attachment structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial sectional views of an electromagnet-typeactuator and an attachment structure, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic controller included in thesecuring systems of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 , in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of securing a transport container toan attachment point, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a securing system including a transportcontainer having an actuator that is properly aligned with an attachmentstructure of an attachment point, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a securing system including a transportcontainer having an actuator that is not properly aligned with anattachment structure of an attachment point, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of using optical signals to detectproper alignment between an actuator and an attachment structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a tug test performed between an actuator andan attachment structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 illustrate examples ofattachment points, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For ease of description, each of the exemplary systems presented hereinis illustrated with a single exemplar of each of its component parts.Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components of thesystems. Other exemplary embodiments may include more or fewer of eachof the illustrated components, may combine some components, or mayinclude additional or alternative components.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are views of one example embodiment of a securing system100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the securingsystem 100 includes an attachment point 105, a transport container 110,and an electronic controller 115. The attachment point 105 illustratedin FIGS. 1A and 1B includes an actuator 120 and a platform 125. Thetransport container 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as a boxincluding a body and a cover (or lid) pivotally coupled to the body. Insome embodiments, the transport container 110 can include a transportcontainer similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/498,012, entitled “SECURE TRANSPORT CONTAINER,” filed Apr. 26, 2017,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thetransport container 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes anattachment structure 130. The attachment structure 130 of the transportcontainer 110 is dimensioned to complement the actuator 120 of theattachment point 105. The actuator 120 and the attachment structure 130together provide a secure method of attaching the transport container110 to the attachment point 105.

In some embodiments, the attachment point 105 is anchored to a fixedstructure that is associated with a physical location. For example, theattachment point 105 may be anchored to the ground outside of aresidence or a business. Alternatively or in addition, the attachmentpoint 105 is anchored to a vehicle. For example, the attachment point105 may be anchored to a car, a truck, a train, an airplane, or a drone.

The securing system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided asone example of such a system. The methods described herein may be usedwith securing systems with fewer, additional, or different components indifferent configurations than the securing system 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of oneexample embodiment of a securing system 200 in which the attachmentpoint 105 includes the attachment structure 130 and the transportcontainer 110 includes the actuator 120.

As a further example, FIG. 3 is a diagram of one example embodiment of asecuring system 300 in which the attachment point 105 and the transportcontainer 110 both include actuators and locking structures to providetwo-way securing. In FIG. 3 , the attachment point 105 includes anattachment structure 305 and an actuator 310, and the transportcontainer 110 includes an attachment structure 315 and an actuator 320.The attachment structure 305 of the attachment point 105 is dimensionedto complement the actuator 320 of the transport container 110. Theattachment structure 315 of the transport container 110 is dimensionedto complement the actuator 310 of the attachment point 105. In someembodiments, one end of the transport container 110 may attach to adelivery vehicle and another end may attach to a fixed structure, suchas during a delivery handoff procedure.

The actuator 120 and attachment structure 130 are illustrated in FIGS.1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B as a locking clamp and a bar, respectively. Theactuator 120 and the attachment structure 130 can include anyappropriate form of complementary locking structures (for example,hooks, levers, etc.). In addition, in some embodiments, the actuator 120and the attachment structure 130 can include threaded fasteners,pistons, or electromagnets.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one example embodiment of a threaded lockingstructure. The actuator 120 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes amotor 405 and a threaded fastener 410 having external threads (forexample, a screw, a bolt, or a stud). The motor 405 is operably coupledto the threaded fastener 410 such that the motor 405 can rotate thethreaded fastener 410 in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Theattachment structure 130 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes athreaded sleeve 415 with internal threads. In FIG. 4A, the actuator 120is released from the attachment structure 130. In FIG. 4B, the actuator120 is attached to the attachment structure 130. To attach the actuator120 to the attachment structure 130, the motor 405 rotates the threadedfastener 410 in the direction of arrow 420 such that the threadedfastener 410 moves into the threaded sleeve 415. To release the actuator120 from the attachment structure 130, the motor 405 rotates thethreaded fastener 410 in the direction of arrow 425 (opposite from thedirection of arrow 420) such that the threaded fastener 410 moves out ofthe threaded sleeve 415.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one example embodiment of a piston lockingstructure. The actuator 120 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes abody 505 and a piston 510. The attachment structure 130 illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B includes a sleeve 515 having an expansion space 520. Theactuator 120 is configured to move the piston 510 in and out of the body505 (for example, electrical or hydraulically). In FIG. 5A, the actuator120 is released from the attachment structure 130. In FIG. 5A, theactuator 120 is an unlocked state in which that piston 510 is positionedsubstantially with the body 505. In FIG. 5B, the actuator 120 isattached to the attachment structure 130. In FIG. 5B, the actuator 120is in a locked stated in which the piston 510 is positioned such that itsubstantially extends out of the body 505 and into the expansion space520 of the attachment structure 130. To attach the actuator 120 to theattachment structure 130, the body 505 is inserted into the sleeve 515and the piston 510 expands into the expansion space 520, as illustratedin FIG. 5B. To release the actuator 120 from the attachment structure130, the piston 510 is retracted into the body 505 such that the body505 can be removed from the sleeve 515.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate one example embodiment of an electromagneticlocking structure. The actuator 120 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B hasan electromagnet including a power source 605 (for example, a battery),a switch 610, an iron core 615, and a coil of insulated wire 620. Theattachment structure 130 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes a metalplate 625. When the switch 610 is in a closed state, electric currentsupplied by the power source 605 flows through the coil of insulatedwire 620 around the iron core 615 which generates a magnetic field. InFIG. 6A, the actuator 120 is released from the attachment structure 130.In FIG. 6A, the switch 610 is an open state and a magnetic field is notgenerated. In FIG. 6B, the actuator 120 is attached to the attachmentstructure 130. In FIG. 6B, the switch 610 is a closed state and theactuator 120 generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field generated bythe actuator 120 attracts the metal plate 625 of the attachmentstructure 130 such that the actuator 120 is securely attached to theattachment structure 130.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of one example embodiment of the components includedin the electronic controller 115. The electronic controller 115illustrated in FIG. 7 includes an electronic processor 705 (for example,a microprocessor), memory 710, a transceiver 715, and a user interface720. The electronic processor 705, the memory 710, as well as the othervarious modules are coupled by a bus 725, or are coupled directly, byone or more additional control or data buses, or a combination thereof.In alternate embodiments, the electronic controller 115 may includefewer or additional components in configurations different from theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 7 .

The memory 710 includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory(RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),other non-transitory computer-readable media, or any combinationthereof. The electronic processor 705 is configured to retrieve programinstructions and data from the memory 710 and execute, among otherthings, instructions to perform the methods described herein.Additionally or alternatively, the memory 710 is included in theelectronic processor 705.

The transceiver 715 is configured to provide communications betweencomponents of the attachment point 105 and components of the transportcontainer 110 or other components within the securing system 100 (forexample, delivery vehicles, sorting facilities, etc.). The transceiver715 transmits signals to one or more communication networks and receivessignals from the communication networks. In some embodiments, signalsinclude, for example, data, data packets, attachment requests,attachment statuses, control signals, identification signals, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the transceiver 715 includesseparate transmitters and receivers. The communication network may beimplemented using various networks, for example, a cellular network, theInternet, a Bluetooth™ network, a wireless local area network (forexample, Wi-Fi), a wireless accessory Personal Area Network (PAN),cable, an Ethernet network, satellite, a machine-to-machine (M2M)autonomous network, and a public switched telephone network.

The user interface 720 can include any combination of digital and analoginput devices required to achieve a desired level of control for theelectronic controller 115. For example, the user interface 720 caninclude a display, a camera, a speaker, a plurality of knobs, dials,switches, buttons, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface720 includes a touch-sensitive interface (for example, touch-screendisplay) that displays visual output generated by software applicationsexecuted by the electronic processor 705. Visual output includes, forexample, graphical indicators, lights, colors, text, images, graphicaluser interfaces (GUIs), combinations of the foregoing, and the like. Thetouch-sensitive interface includes a suitable display mechanism fordisplaying the visual output (for example, a light-emitting diode (LED)screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and the like). Thetouch-sensitive interface also receives user input using detectedphysical contact (for example, detected capacitance or resistance).Based on the user input, the touch-sensitive interface outputs signalsto the electronic processor 705 indicate positions on thetouch-sensitive interface currently being selected by physical contact.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller 115 is operably coupled(for example, via the transceiver 715) to the attachment point 105 forattaching and releasing the actuator 120 to the attachment structure130. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic controller 115 isoperably coupled (for example, via the transceiver 715) to the transportcontainer 110 for attaching and releasing the actuator 120 to theattachment structure 130. The electronic controller 115 is illustratedin FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 as being separate from the attachmentpoint 105 and the transport container 110. In some embodiments, aportion of the electronic controller 115 is located remotely from theattachment point 105 and the transport container 110. For example, aportion of the electronic controller 115 is located at a central controlfacility. Functions used by the electronic controller 115 that may becompute-intensive or may involve access to database (e.g.,authentication, image processing, and/or voice analysis) may beperformed at a remote central control facility, which may for example bea datacenter or cloud-hosted facility. Alternatively or in addition, theelectronic controller 115 is included in the attachment point 105.Alternatively or in addition, the electronic controller 115 is includedin the transport container 110. In some embodiments, the attachmentpoint 105, the transport container 110, or both include all or acombination of the components included in the electronic controller 115.In some embodiments, the electronic controller 115, or componentsthereof, are implemented using a mobile computing device. To illustrate,an application executed on a mobile telephone or tablet computer may beoperated to attach the actuator 120 to the attachment structure 130 andto release the actuator 120 from the attachment structure. The mobiledevice may also be leveraged to enable the package container or theattachment point to access the Internet (or other network) and hostedfunctions. The application may also display information regarding thetransport container 110, items in the transport container 110,shipping/route status of the transport container 110, source/destinationof the transport container 110, etc.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 of securing the transportcontainer 110 to the attachment point 105. The steps (or blocks) of themethod 800 are described in an iterative manner for descriptivepurposes. Various steps (or blocks) described herein with respect to themethod 800 are capable of being executed simultaneously, in parallel, orin an order that differs from the illustrated serial and iterativemanner of execution. In the example illustrated, the method 800 includesthe electronic controller 115 receiving a request (for example, via thetransceiver 715) to attach the transport container 110 to the attachmentpoint 105 (at block 805). In some embodiments, the request includesidentification information of the attachment point 105. Identificationinformation can include, among other things, identifiers (for example,alphanumeric identifiers), location type (for example, fixed location ornon-fixed location), physical attributes (for example, dimensions, typeand quantity of actuators, and type and quantity of attachmentstructures), or a combination thereof.

Alternatively or in addition, the request includes location informationof the attachment point 105. For an attachment point 105 that isanchored to a fixed structure (for example, a structure on the groundoutside a residence, a structure in a storage facility, or a structurein a receiving room of a building), location information can include,among other things, a physical location of the attachment point 105 (forexample, GPS coordinates), an address associated with the attachmentpoint 105 (for example, a residential address, a building address, or astorage facility address), or both. For an attachment point 105 that isanchored to a vehicle (or other non-fixed structure), locationinformation can include, among other things, a current physical locationof the vehicle (for example, GPS coordinates, the closest address to thevehicle, or the name of the street or highway the vehicle is currentlytraveling on), an intended destination of the vehicle, a previouslocation of the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

Returning to FIG. 8 , at block 810, the electronic controller 115authenticates the attachment point 105 to ensure that the transportcontainer 110 is being attached to the correct point. In someembodiments, the electronic controller 115 authenticates the attachmentpoint 105 and the transport container 110 based on signals transmittedbetween the attachment point 105 and the transport container 110. Forexample, the attachment point 105 can transmit (or broadcast) anidentification signal. When positioned near the attachment point 105,the transport container 110 receives the identification signal. Theelectronic controller 115 compares the identification signal with apredetermined identification signal. In some embodiments, the electroniccontroller 115 sets the identification signal transmitted by theattachment point 105. In some embodiments, the identification signaltransmitted by the attachment point 105 periodically changes. Forexample, the identification signal may change hourly, daily, weekly, ormonthly. In such embodiments, the electronic controller 115 may comparean identification signal received by the transport container 110 with apredetermined identification signal that is only valid for the timeframein which the transport container 110 received the identification signalfrom the attachment point 105. In some examples, if the attachment point105 is not the correct attachment point for the transport container 110,the electronic controller 115 disables operation of the actuator 120 sothat the transport container 110 is not erroneously attached to themismatched attachment point 105. In some embodiments, authentication canuse a challenge-response protocol to mitigate replay attacks.

Alternatively or in addition, the electronic controller 115authenticates the attachment point 105 based on the locations of theattachment point 105, the transport container 110, or both. For example,in some embodiments, the electronic controller 115 determines andcompares the location of the transport container 110 with the locationof the attachment point 105 to ensure that the locations are the same(or are within a set proximity of each other).

At block 815, the electronic controller 115 activates the actuator 120to attach the transport container 110 to the attachment point 105. Forexample, the electronic controller 115 sends a control signal whichcauses the actuator 120 to attach itself to the attachment structure130. For clamp-type actuators, such as the ones illustrated in FIGS. 1A,1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 , activating the actuator 120 can include changing theactuator 120 from an unlocked state (or open state) to a locked state(or closed state) in which the actuator 120 is securely attached to theattachment structure 130. For threaded-type actuators, such as the oneillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, actuating the actuator 120 can includecausing the actuator 120 to rotate such that it is secured within atleast portion of the attachment structure 130. For piston-typeactuators, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, actuating theactuator 120 can includes expanding a portion of the actuator 120 (forexample, piston 510) into a space included in the attachment structure130 (for example, expansion space 520). For magnetic-type actuators,such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, activating the actuator120 can includes causing the actuator 120 to generate a magnetic field(for example, by closing switch 610).

At block 820, the electronic controller 115 transmits a status signal(for example, via the transceiver 715) indicating an attachment statusof the transport container 110. For example, the electronic controller115 may transmit a signal indicating that the transport container 110 issecurely attached to the attachment point 105. Alternatively or inaddition, the electronic controller 115 may transmit a signal indicatingthat the transport container 110 is not securely attached to theattachment point 105. For example, the signal may indicate that actuator120 was not successfully attached to the attachment structure 130. Thestatus signal may be transmitted to, for example, a recipient of thetransport container 110, a sender of the transport container 110, anowner of the transport container 110, an owner of the attachment point105, or a combination thereof.

As described above in relation to block 810, the electronic controller115 authenticates the attachment point 105. Alternatively or inaddition, the electronic controller 115 authenticates the transportcontainer 110. For example, the transport container 110 can transmit (orbroadcast) an identification signal. When the transport container 110 ispositioned near the attachment point 105, the attachment point 105receives the identification signal. The electronic controller 115compares the identification signal with a predetermined identificationsignal.

In some embodiments, after authenticating the actuator 120, theelectronic controller 115 confirms alignment between the actuator 120and the attachment structure 130 prior to activating the actuator 120.In other words, the electronic controller 115 confirms that the actuator120 and the attachment structure 130 are positioned relative to eachother such that the actuator 120 will attach to the attachment structure130 upon being actuating. For example, the actuator 120 illustrated inFIG. 9 is properly aligned with the attachment structure 130 such thatthe actuator 120 will properly attach to the attachment structure 130the when the actuator 120 changes from the open state (illustrated inFIG. 9 ) to the closed state. As a further example, the actuator 120illustrated in FIG. 10 is not properly aligned with the attachmentstructure 130. Consequently, the actuator 120 illustrated in FIG. 10will not attach to the attachment structure 130 when the actuator 120changes from the open state (illustrated in FIG. 10 ) to the closedstate. This may be useful, for example, during handoff and autonomousdelivery of package containers.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller 115 confirms alignmentbetween the actuator 120 and the attachment structure 130 using opticalsignals. For example, the attachment structure 130 illustrated in FIG.11 includes an optical transmitter 1105 that transmits an optical signal1110 into the sleeve 515. The actuator 120 illustrated in FIG. 11includes an optical receiver 1115. The optical receiver 1115 detects theoptical signal 1110 transmitted by the optical transmitter 1105 when thebody 505 of the actuator 120 is properly aligned within the sleeve 515of the attachment structure 130. Thus, the electronic controller 115 canconfirm alignment between the actuator 120 and the attachment structure130 by ensuring that the optical receiver 1115 detects the opticalsignal 1110 transmitted by the optical transmitter 1105.

In some embodiments, after activating the actuator 120 to attach itselfto the attachment structure 130, the electronic controller 115 confirmsattachment of the actuator 120 to the attachment structure 130 prior totransmitting the attachment status of the transport container 110. Insome embodiments, the electronic controller 115 confirms attachment ofthe actuator 120 to the attachment structure 130 via a tug test. A tugtest includes a physical pulling force being exerted on the actuator 120after it is attached to the attachment structure 130. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 12 , the transport container 110 is tugged (orpulled) in the direction of arrow 1205 to confirm that the actuator 120of the transport container 110 is secured to the attachment structure130 of the attachment point 105.

In some embodiments, the tug test is performed by an autonomous deliveryrobot (or a delivery vehicle) (not shown). In such embodiments, theelectronic controller 115 transmits a signal (for example, via thetransceiver 715) to the autonomous delivery robot after attempting toattach the transport container 110 to the attachment point 105 via theactuator 120 and the attachment structure 130. Responsive to receivingthe signal, the autonomous delivery robot tugs on the transportcontainer 110. For example, the autonomous delivery robot pulls thetransport container 110 in the direction of arrow 1205 to confirm thatthe actuator 120 of the transport container 110 is securely attached tothe attachment structure 130 of the attachment point 105, as illustratedin FIG. 12 . Alternatively or in addition, the transport container 110performs the tug test. In such embodiments, the transport container 110further includes electronic actuators (not shown) that pull the actuator120 toward the body of the transport container 110. Alternatively or inaddition, the attachment point 105 performs the tug test.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller 115 measures a movementof the transport container 110 (for example, via movement sensors)caused by the tugging and confirms that the actuator 120 is securelyattached to the attachment structure 130 based on the detected movement.For example, the electronic controller 115 confirms a lockingacknowledgement when the detected movement is less than a threshold. Inother embodiments, movement of the transport container 110 is detectedby an external electronic device (for example, by the autonomousdelivery robot) and the electronic controller 115 receives a signal fromthe external electronic device to confirm a locking acknowledgement.

Thus, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combinationof a secure package container and attachment point to protect thepackage at a delivery destination and at various points during transit.In some embodiments, the package can be shipped within a securecontainer and, at the point of delivery, secured to an anchoredattachment point. In some embodiments, the package can be shipped usingan unsecure medium (e.g., cardboard box, plastic or paper envelope/bag,etc.) and can be placed into a secure container at a deliverydestination. The secure container may be a hardened box, a hardenedenvelope/bag, or some other hardened restraint.

Certain systems to secure packages may involve time-consuming manualsteps, for example to open a locker, scan a package, or other performother tasks to complete delivery. In contrast, the present disclosuremay enable rapid secured delivery of packages. In some embodiments,self-identification features may be included. For example, wirelessidentification (e.g., RFID, NFC, Bluetooth container tags, etc.), visualidentification (e.g., scannable barcode/label), and or inferredidentification (date/time, size, weight, etc.) may be used. In someembodiments, self-locking features may be available, such as an abilityto lock without first unlocking, an ability to lock without having toperform authentication, an ability to lock without a key or a smartphone(or other device), etc. In some embodiments, automatic confirmation ofnotification of delivery may be provided. For example, a smartattachment point interface or a smart package may sense a lockedcondition and may enable communicating confirmation of delivery.

It is to be understood that multiple packages may be secured, forexamples using a bar, loop, or grid configuration. In some embodiments,the transport containers 110 are physically stackable or otherwisearrangeable in a cascading configuration, and attachment points are canbe arranged to match the transport containers. In some embodiments, anattachment point expander can connect to one or more attachment pointsand provide additional attachment points for additional transportcontainers.

Package delivery systems may not consistently flag incorrectly deliveredpackages, including potentially malicious packages. In some embodiments,questionable containers are flagged upon delivery. For example, atimestamp generated from an anchor point can be checked against planneddeliveries to determine if a delivery was expected. In some embodiments,containers that do not appear to be “correct” can be flagged. Forexample, an ability to sense a container identifier (ID) may be used.Visual or wireless exchange of data may occur between a container and anattachment point. Attachment points may be equipped with a visualscanner (e.g., a camera) and/or wireless communication capability, whichmay be used to verify that the correct container has been delivered andcommunicate the result to another device or user. An attachment pointmay communicate its location data to the transport container, which mayvalidate whether a correct delivery location has been reached beforeenabling attachment. In some embodiments, a container may use a knowncollection of local delivery data communications identifies (e.g., Wi-Fior Bluetooth beacons/messages) to triangulate and validate a deliverylocation. In some embodiments, multiple validations methods may be used.In some embodiments, the “correctness” of a package can be inferred, atleast in part, based on a size, dimensions, weight, and/or otherphysical characteristics of the package.

It may be expensive to install anchor points to secure containers, andproperty owners may not want new hardware installed at their property.In some embodiments, attachment points may utilize existing structures,such as door knobs, light poles, telephone poles, mailbox poles, etc. Acable with a lock may be used to secure containers, where the cableincludes a smart locking mechanism. A smart lock may include two cablelocks—one to attach to an existing structure and the other to secure acontainer. A smart lock may include electronics to control and monitorthe locks. In some embodiments, existing structures can be leveraged tocreate installation free anchor points. For example, an anchor point maybe secured by closing a front door or a garage door, because an existinglatch/closure may be used to secure the cable or other anchor point. Insome embodiments, a passive anchor point can be installed by a homeownerand can have limited footprint to reduce impact on home aesthetics. Forexample, a hook or eyelet can be installed on walls, floors, ground, orother fixed structures. A hole or depression can be created to anchor acontainer. A passive anchor point connector can be used by an activeattachment point. A top-grooved, horizontal rail can be used, and acorresponding smart package may engage the groove of the top rail andthen lock to either a groove on the bottom or become mechanicallyanchored. A vertical rail with a series of attachment holes can be used.A bar or rail housing one or more cables that connect to smart packagesmay also be used.

Some containers may be left at an anchor point for an extended amount oftime and will require additional services (besides secure attachment) tokeep electronics functioning and or maintaining the environmentalrequirements of the contents of the container (for example, if thecontents include perishable food items). In some embodiments, anattachment anchor point interface may be integrated with an electricalpower supply, a wired communication network, chilled/heated water/air,compressed air, wireless battery charging, etc. The process of attachinga package container may be designed to also connect such additionalservices provided by the anchor point to the package container. Anability to monitor and report status/condition of both the contents ofthe package container and of the system itself may be provided.

In some embodiments, various dimensional configuration of attachment oranchor connection points may be implemented. Point-based configurationsmay include single or multiple smart attachment points or anchors.Line-based configuration may include horizontal bars or vertical rails.Surface-based configurations may include a mesh or a hole grid surfaceas part of a wall or table. Attachment points can be part of smartpackage, mounted to a physical structure, connected to variations ofattachment/anchor point replicators or extenders (which enable expansionof the number of secure connection points to support more packages), atthe end of a cable (where it may be connected to a smart package or to astatic interface of a physical anchoring structure), etc.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are designed to support arange many levels of security, from a minimum-security level toultra-high level of security. Higher levels of security may be enabledby employing methods such as the use of higher strength materials, theamount and types of electronic sensing, communications systems formonitoring and reporting, and advance authentication methods to verifythe delivery resources and recipients. The attachment point-baseddelivery system may support the secure transfer transition of theparcels along each stage of their journey. This may be a designcomponent for the attachment point system. This includes the origin ofthe parcel, any higher-level racking system, the delivery vehicle(s),any mechanical systems/robotics transferring the parcel or thehigher-level parcel racking system or the final destination attachmentpoint. Having more than one attachment point available on a parcelenables the parcel to always be physically anchored to at least oneattachment point during transfer transitions from one actor to the next.

In various embodiments, attachment methods for an attachment point mayinclude: through an opening and expanding so that it cannot be pulledback through the opening, into an opening but only so far that a lockingmechanism protrudes out the far side (which can be tight or loose),automatically screwing into the opening and locking into place (whererotation by a human or robotic delivery resource is not required, asmaller protrusion (e.g., triangular in shape) being pushed into alarger opening and then twisting to lock, etc. Packages attached to awall can be quickly located based upon the packaging providing audio orvisual response signaling to location inquiries by a recipient. Theinquiries technique may include a wireless device communicating to thesmart package, face or voice recognition of the recipient by the smartpackage, etc.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate top view of an attachment mechanism to securea smart package 1320 to a wall 1301. A wall plate mounted on the wallincludes connectors 1302, 1303, and 1304. The smart package 1320 hascorresponding recesses 1312, 1313, and 1314. When the smart package 1320is secured the connectors 1302 and 1303 are inserted into the recesses1312 and 1313, respectively. The connector 1304 slides past (e.g.,spring-loaded) latches 1315, 1316 and into the recess 1314. The latches1315, 1316 are sloped so that the connector 1304 is difficult to removefrom the recess 1314 unless a release (not shown) is activated manuallyand/or electronically. In some embodiments, attachment interfaces 1317,1318 are included for mechanical gripping of the smart package 1320,such as by robotic devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates a variation of the attachment mechanism of FIGS.13-14 in which the smart package 1320 has retractable cable 1530 withthe intelligent attachment point interface that is couplable to the wallplate of the wall 1301. In some examples, the cable 1530 includes wiringfor communications and/or power. To illustrate, power wiring may be usedto charge components of the smart package 1320 via electricalconnections to wiring/pins that are part of the connector 1304. FIG. 16illustrates a variation of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 15 in whichthe wall plate has a retractable cable 1640 but the smart package 1320does not have a retractable cable.

FIG. 17 illustrates an attachment point expander 1750 that can beconnected to the connector 1304 of the wall plate. The expander includestwo cables (or other tethers) 1751, 1752, each of which includes acouplable connector. The expander 1750 may thus expand a single wallplate attachment point to two connection points (i.e., a one-to-twoexpander). Though two cables are shown, it is to be understood that anynumber of cables may be present in other embodiments. Moreover, althougha cable-based expander is used, it is to be understood that this is notto be considered limiting. For example, in an alternate embodiment,multiple attachment points may be formed on or otherwise disposed on asurface of a wall plate rather than in a cable-based configuration.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an attachment mechanism in which arail/bar can be anchored to a physical structure. A connector 1860 ofthe rail/bar (which may be mounted to a wall) can be secured by latches1861, 1862 (which may be part of a smart package). In the illustrateembodiment, the latch 1862 is sloped to make securing package to therail/bar easier. Multiple smart packages can be secured side-by-sideonto a single, long rail/bar. FIG. 19 illustrates a variation of theattachment mechanism of FIG. 18 including both a rail/bar interface andcable adapters 1863, 1864. Connectors 1865, 1866 attached to the cableadapters may be used to attach additional smart packages or may serve asadditional (or alternative) attachment mechanisms for the same packageas the one whose latches 1861, 1862 attach to the connector 1860 of therail/bar.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view and a top view of example of anattachment point mechanism in which a plate with tethered hooks can bepassed through a plate with holes to secure a package to a wall ortable. FIG. 21 illustrates a variation of the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 20 where a mesh fabric or surface is used instead of a plate withholes. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a locking system in which aconnector can be inserted into a similarly shaped but larger hole andthen rotated into a locking position. Although a triangle-shapedconnector and hole are shown, it is to be understood that other shapesmay be used instead.

Secure attachment points are available for use in the higher levels ofracking tiers. This allows groups of parcel items to be securely storedor transported as a group within a higher-level packaging tier orholding vessel. This facilitates logistics optimization such as rapidloading/unloading of vehicles and the organization of parcels.

This disclosure is not limited in its application to the examplesprovided, the embodiments discussed, or to the details of constructionand the arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing descriptionor drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transport container comprising: a body; a firstsecuring mechanism coupled to the body, the first securing mechanismconfigured to couple the body to a second securing mechanism of anattachment point; and a controller configured to: receive a request forcoupling; and responsive to receiving the request for coupling, initiatecoupling between the first securing mechanism and the second securingmechanism, wherein the coupling comprises locking a first lockingstructure of the first securing mechanism to a first attachmentstructure of the second securing mechanism and locking a second lockingstructure of the second securing mechanism to a second attachmentstructure of the first securing mechanism.
 2. The transport container ofclaim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to manipulate thefirst securing mechanism responsive to the controller initiatingcoupling between the first securing mechanism and the second securingmechanism.
 3. The transport container of claim 2, wherein the actuatoris configured to lock the second locking structure to the secondattachment structure.
 4. The transport container of claim 2, wherein thefirst securing mechanism comprises a threaded fastener, and wherein theactuator is configured to rotate the threaded fastener into a threadedsleeve of the attachment point.
 5. The transport container of claim 2,wherein the first securing mechanism comprises a piston, and wherein theactuator is configured to insert the piston into a recess defined in theattachment point.
 6. The transport container of claim 2, wherein thefirst securing mechanism comprises an electromagnet, wherein theactuator is configured to cause the electromagnet to generate anelectromagnetic field, and wherein the electromagnetic field isconfigured to magnetically couple the transport container to theattachment point.
 7. The transport container of claim 1, furthercomprising an optical receiver configured to receive an optical signalfrom an optical transmitter associated with the attachment point, andwherein the controller is further configured to initiate couplingbetween the first securing mechanism and the second securing mechanismresponsive to receiving the request and responsive to the opticalreceiver receiving the optical signal.
 8. The transport container ofclaim 1, wherein the controller includes a receiver configured toreceive the request for coupling.
 9. The transport container of claim 1,further comprising a locking mechanism configured to restrict opening ofa lid while in a locked state, wherein the controller is configured toinitiate movement of the locking mechanism between the locked state andan unlocked state.
 10. A method comprising: receiving a request forcoupling at a controller associated with a transport container; andresponsive to receiving the request for coupling, initiating, by thecontroller, coupling between a first securing mechanism associated withthe transport container and a second securing mechanism associated withan attachment point, wherein the coupling comprises locking a clamp ofthe first securing mechanism to a first attachment structure of thesecond securing mechanism and locking a locking structure of the secondsecuring mechanism to a second attachment structure of the firstsecuring mechanism.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingauthenticating the request for coupling responsive to receiving therequest for coupling, wherein the coupling is initiated responsive tothe request being authenticated.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein therequest is authenticated responsive to a location of the attachmentpoint corresponding to a destination of the transport container.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising receiving an identificationsignal associated with the attachment point, and wherein the request isauthenticated responsive to the identification signal matching aparticular identification signal associated with a destination of thetransport container.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising,responsive to the first securing mechanism coupling to the secondsecuring mechanism, transmitting a status signal indicating that thefirst securing mechanism successfully coupled to the second securingmechanism from the controller to a device, the device associated with arecipient of the transport container, a sender of the transportcontainer, an owner of the transport container, an owner of theattachment point, or a combination thereof.
 15. The method of claim 10,further comprising, responsive to the first securing mechanism failingto couple to the second securing mechanism, transmitting a status signalindicating that the first securing mechanism failed to couple to thesecond securing mechanism from the controller to a device, the deviceassociated with a recipient of the transport container, a sender of thetransport container, an owner of the transport container, an owner ofthe attachment point, or a combination thereof.
 16. The method of claim10, wherein initiating coupling between the first securing mechanism andthe second securing mechanism comprises activating an actuator.
 17. Asystem comprising: a transport container including: a body; a lidpivotally coupled to the body; a first securing mechanism; and acontroller; and an attachment point including a second securingmechanism configured to couple with the first securing mechanism,wherein the controller is configured to initiate coupling between thefirst securing mechanism and the second securing mechanism responsive toreceiving a request for coupling, and wherein the coupling compriseslocking a clamp of the second securing mechanism to a first attachmentstructure of the first securing mechanism and locking a lockingstructure of the first securing mechanism to a second attachmentstructure of the second securing mechanism.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the transport container comprises a receiver configured toreceive the request for coupling.
 19. The system of claim 17, whereinthe attachment point is associated with a wall plate, a mesh surface, alight pole, a telephone pole, a mailbox pole, a door knob, an entrydoor, a garage door, or a vehicle.
 20. The system of claim 17, whereinthe transport container further comprises an actuator configured tomanipulate the first securing mechanism responsive to the controllerinitiating the coupling between the first securing mechanism and thesecond securing mechanism.